Writing Feedback / TOEFL- What subject is the most important for students? [3]

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Mankind possesses multifarious knowledge, which can be roughly classified into two categories. The first category is related to human society or aesthetics, such as history and literature. The second one is in regard to the nature roles of the world, such as science and mathematics. Some argue that it is more crucial for students to study the first category rather than the second one. In my point of view, no solid evidence supports this assertion that people can derive more benefits from studies of humanity than physical universe. As a matter of fact, students should have essential understanding of both of these two different subjects before high schools, and then they decide what is the best subject for them in high schools or colleges.

Obviously different kinds of people exhibit miscellaneous interests and talents, so there is no universal subject choice for everyone. Similarly, different kinds of subjects display sundry characters and functions, so there is no single subject that is omnipotent. It is unreasonable to evaluate which subject is the most suitable one for every student. For example, literature involves in the abilities to analyze and appreciate an article, or even create a poem or a novel. J. K. Rolling, the author of the famous serious novels "Harry Potter", has this skill and she used it well to create a magic world. However, she cannot design rockets or discover black holes, which are two magic accomplishments in our world. This kind of task is conducted by engineers and astronomers, who are specialize in science and mathematics. This example, which does not mean literature is useless, or science is better, clearly shows that experts, like J. K. Rolling, can attain wonderful achievements in their own field; however, they cannot accomplish any goals in fields that they are unfamiliar with.

So how do students decide what subject they should learn in order to succeed in the future? I reckon that they should find their own gifts and passions, and then select the subject, which they are most fond of. If students can study their favorite subject, they will acquire an innate driving force to push them toward their aims continuously. On the other hand, if teachers or parents force students to study those subjects that they are not interested in, it is like to plant seedlings of a palm, a tropical tree, in high altitude regions. In this case the seedlings' growth is going to be greatly hindered. In Taiwan and many other countries, elementary schools teach general knowledge to students. Students are instilled with specific knowledge in a more mature age. This strategy enables students to have the opportunity to search for their interests, and then further pursue them.

To be brief, I do not agree that it is more important for students to learn history and literature than science and mathematics, but I do not deem that the latter are better than the former, neither. What students should study depends on their personal characters and what they want.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL-Face-to-face communication is of great importance [4]

Please give me some comments. Thanks a lot!

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answers.

Valid communications are not composed of language only. Other components, such as facial expressions and body gestures also play an important role, which can only be achieved by of face-to-face communication. Letters, e-mail, or telephone calls, although enable people to contact others in a long distance, cannot completely replace the function and meaning of face-to-face communication. In other words, I reckon that face-to-face communication is better than the other types of communication.

Face-to-face communication can provide straightforward expression of information and ideas, thus making meanings more clear and powerful. Human beings are sensitive to the signals from faces and bodies of others. Generally speaking, these signs cannot be perceived through letters, e-mails or telephones, which only consist of words or sounds. Talking to someone directly can obtain many additional messages, such as "Is the listener nervous?" or "Does he or she feel bored?" Speakers can convince others more successful because delivering the thoughts in front of others can further emphasis their point with their body language, and it is also a more formal and effective way to interact with others. This is the reason why world rulers, company managers or other leaders in various fields always have to organize meetings and conferences to meet others and discuss important issues.

Moreover, face-to-face communication furnishes people with a portal to express their sincere emotions. It is difficult to imagine a man proposes to his girlfriend by only making a phone call. Obviously, face-to-face communication can address more passions and feelings to others in contrast to other kinds of method. From this standpoint, letters, e-mail and phones are merely substitutes of face-to-face communication because people always want to contact those they love straightforwardly.

In a nutshell, face-to-face communication exhibits certain characteristics, which cannot be substituted for other types of communication. Although technological advances create other forms of communication, face-to-face communication is still of great importance.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL-Work with a group of people on a team or to work independently [3]

Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

In modern society, people need to work in order to achieve their goals. An individual, who possess a higher level of working abilities, has a greater chance to success. The working abilities can be classified into two types. The first type consists of the skills to work independently, and second one involves the abilities to work with a group of people on a team. I reckon that the latter type is more crucial than the former type because of two reasons. First, cooperation is common in the world. Second, cooperation is more likely to accomplish great achievements compared to working along.

With the advent of technological advances, globalization is the major trend in contemporary society, which indicates that collaboration is widespread and inevitable. Therefore, it is much more critical for everyone to be able to work with others than to work as one person. Many modern citizens now work in a company or an organization. Clearly, they must cooperate with others for some degrees. Although others, such as some farmers and writers, may work along, they still need to purchase their products or ask for assistance sometimes. In other words, they still need to collaborate with others.

Moreover, for some difficult tasks, collaboration is the only way to tackle them. This phenomenon further increases the significance of cooperation. For example, it is impossible for one worker can construct a magnificent skyscraper along. To build a skyscraper, it is necessary to gather a group of workers. Similarly, it is impossible to protect a country only by one solider. To maintain the security of one country, it is necessary to assemble an army. It seems that only a few astronauts, such as Armstrong, are capable of walking on the moon. No doubt that Armstrong has strong personal abilities. Nevertheless, no one can deny the fact that he could walk on the moon because of the collaboration of many people, such as scientists, engineers and astronomers.

In a nutshell, since collaboration is not rare, and is the only way to overcome some challenges. The abilities of working as a team are of great importance.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL-To eat at a restaurant or at home? What do you prefer? [5]

Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Mankind cannot live without food, which not only provide nutrients and energy for human body, but also satisfy one's appetite. Today people, especially those who live in urban areas, have a large variety of choices of dining. Customers can select a restaurant based on food styles, prices or some personal preferences. No wonder in recent years, a growing number of people enjoy having their meals at a restaurant rather than cooking by themselves at home. Nevertheless, I prefer to prepare my own food in my kitchen because I want to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Besides, cooking by myself can save some expenses compared to eating at a restaurant.

One of the drawbacks of not eating at home is that processed food in modern food industry and market are common, which means dining at a restaurant poses a higher risk for people to absorb some chemical additives, such as artificial colors and flavors. Moreover, in many restaurants, such as McDonald, their food is often too greasy, cloying or salty. Also, vegetables rich in vitamins and celluloses are often scarce or even lacking in modern diets. Although I am only capable of preparing simple meals and snacks, I can not only reduce the usage of additives and flavorings, but also increase the quantity of vegetables in my diet.

In addition, due to the growth of economy, the food prices gradually become higher nowadays. For example, around two decades ago in Taiwan, a bowl of noodles usually took about 20 NT dollars, but now it costs about 50 dollars or more. In spite of the fact that dining in a restaurant exhibits certain advantages, such as tasty food and delightful atmosphere, the higher charges are indeed a problem for me. When I cook for myself, I can save some expenditure cost for the services, and purchase those materials and ingredients that the price is within a reasonable range.

In a nutshell, I prefer to cook in my kitchen rather than have a meal in a restaurant because the food, which I prepare, is more salubrious, and I can reduce my expenses.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL-Is Money the most important aspect of a job? [9]

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

In modern society, almost everyone needs to find a job in order to obtain economic supports. No doubt that salary is one crucial consideration for every job seeker. However, I disagree with the statement that money is the most important aspect of a job. Apart from incomes, workers can acquire more from their occupations. As I see, passion is another vital facet of a job. In fact, for many, these may be much more important than money.

People should consider an occupation that they are passionate with in order to avoid an insipid life. Assuming that the average working hours for most workers is eight hours per day, which means that, before retiring, these workers may spend one-third of their time on working, and if they get nothing except money during their entire careers, they must feel dissatisfied and disembodied because one-third of their lives is bland during this period. In contrast, if they have a strong interest for their jobs during their careers, their long working durations become meaningful to them. For example, many professors can attain a higher salary jobs compared to their current income outside a university, but they choose to work in a university because they enjoy studying and teaching. Jane Goodall, a famous primatologist, had spent 45 years on studying chimpanzees in Tanzanina. I believe she could find other jobs with higher salary if she want, but it seems like nothing be can substituted for her fondness of chimpanzees.

In addition to job satisfaction, passion for work can also lead to better performance, and then result in great success. Interestingly, although salary is not the initial target in this case, this process driven by passion usually makes a good fortune. Conventional wisdom says that only by working hard can human beings succeed. However, it is not easy for workers to maintain energetic for every minutes during the entire career unless they are really passionate with their jobs. The yearning for work is the most powerful driving force to compel people toward their goals. For instance, Steve Jobs, the former chief executive officer of Apple Company, is one of the most legendary entrepreneurs in the world. The secret of his success may be recondite, but obviously, his love for technology advances is the key component contributing to his accomplishment.

In a nutshell, although salary is one essential consideration for a job, passion is more crucial, which can bring not only personal fulfillment but also success to workers.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL- The importance of learning process - Do students need to attend classes? [NEW]

Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

The main purpose of educational system is to educate students in order to enable them to obtain professional skills. Consequently, common wisdom says that a college student should attend classes, which function as specific passages between professors and students. This is because teaching in classes is how most professors deliver and spread their knowledge and ideas to students. However, some people do not believe that it is necessary for students to attend every class. As I see, absenteeism is inappropriate for students most of the time unless under certain unusual circumstances.

College professors are the experts, who are far more experienced and proficient in the academic fields compared to students. Thus, attending classes is the most effective and efficient way for students to learn. In other words, nonappearance to classes usually hinders students from learning. Clearly, most professors reveal or demonstrate their expertise in the classroom rather than other places. Students who do not come to classes will lose their opportunities to interact with professors. Of course it is possible that a student figure out some knowledge without others' assistance, but this process must be more arduous than learning directly from specialists, who already know the critical concepts and crucial theories in this subject.

Nonetheless, for some special situations, I believe students can be absent from classes only if they can guarantee that they can maintain their progress. For instance, if there is an emergency, or a speech addressed by a renowned scholar, students can decide whether they want to go to class. However, when they make their own choice, they have to understand it is their responsibility to put more efforts in their homework and academic performance.

In a nutshell, I argue that attending classes is of paramount importance for students' education. Even though sometimes, for certain reasons, absenteeism is unavoidable, students should not eschew their learning progress.

Writing Feedback / "Friendly and helping others" - the qualities of a good neighbor? [3]

Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

In my opinion, the quality of a good neighbor is very similar to that of a good friend. I assert that a good neighbor may possess two essential characters, showing kindness and willing to help others.

Kindness can create a delightful atmosphere in the neighborhood, which makes people live with contentment. With the advent of urbanization, more and more people now live in an apartment located in a metropolis, which means the actual distance between two individuals become closer, yet the mental distance of that seems to become more remote than before. Nowadays, neighbors living in the same apartment rarely talk to each other, and even they do, these conversations are often short and superficial. Thus people barely know each other or know very little. No wonder more and more people feel lonely and saturnine these days. Kindness can break this alienation and warm others' heart. By showing consideration and generosity to others, a good neighbor can greatly benefit the neighborhood.

Another aspect of a good neighbor is assisting others when they are in needs. Everyone may encounter some problems or emergencies sometimes. Obviously, if neighbors can provide assistance, people definitely feel relieved and comfortable because those who can help are not far away. Neighbors can support each other in miscellaneous ways, such as paying attention to the security when others are not home, or taking care of the neighbors' children when occasionally their parents have to work late.

In a nutshell, as I see, a good neighbor should have two fundamental facets. The first one is showing benevolence, and the second one is helping others. In other words, a good neighbor is like a good friend who live nearby. I suggest people can obtain good neighbors by showing the above-mentioned characters to their neighbors, then they may acting the same in return, considering others to be friends.

Writing Feedback / 'evaluate the teachers' performance instead of improving the salary of teachers [3]

Do you agree or disagree that there should be an increase of teachers' salary for promoting education quality? Use specific reasons and details to develop your assay.

Teachers play vital roles in the current education system. Some thus argue that the government should increase the teachers' salary in order to improve education quality. Certainly money is a major incentive for workers to work harder. But I disagree with this argument because no concrete evidence suggests that teachers with higher salary definitely perform better. Moreover, even if salary can facilitate teachers to improve their teaching, other factors in education system, such as prejudice on certain subjects, may be a bigger issue compared to teachers' performance.

It is too naive to assume that raising teachers' incomes can induce them to devote more passions in education. If the government gives all teachers higher salary without any differences, for these teachers, they can get additional money without changing or ameliorating anything. In other words, there are no strong motives for them to improve their teaching quality. As a result, I believe the government should establish a rating system to assess teachers' performance, and then decide who should receive higher salary. It is reasonable to increase good teachers' incomes. In contrast, bad teachers should be punished rather than rewarded.

In addition, the main problem in education may not result from teachers, but from other factors. For example, in Taiwan, the whole education system places too much emphasis on some academic subjects such as Mathematics and Chemistry. Other subjects such as Arts and Physical Education sometimes are largely ignored. Increasing teachers' earnings cannot solve this problem because this prejudice is rooted deeply in the society. An effective solution should instigate public awareness that subjects form different fields are all of great importance for students.

In a nutshell, I disapprove of the idea that raising teachers' salary can ameliorate the education system. The government should not only meticulously evaluate the teachers' performance, but also analyze education problems in order to provide effective amendments.

Writing Feedback / TOEFL-The best way to relax is by exercises. [11]

People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples to support your opinion.

In modern society, people often face many difficulties under great stress. Therefore, it is necessary for many to find ways to relax. Although miscellaneous people may apply diverse strategies, such as reading, watching movies, or working in their gardens, I argue that the most suitable method of reducing stress for modern people is by different kinds of exercise, which can not only improve health conditions but also bring positive emotions.

It is not surprised that exercise play a crucial role in ameliorating physical health. Any kinds of sports, such as jogging, swimming, or playing basketball, can effectively facilitate human respiration and circulation system. Moreover, these sports can also strengthen muscles and lessen surplus adipose tissues in human body. The latter one is of particular importance because nowadays more and more people are suffer from obesity. Many studies has points out that numbers of overweight people have increased in developed countries in recent years, which mainly results from insufficient exercises.

Sports activities can improve mental health as well. When people exercise, the neuron cells in the brain release a chemical compound named Dopamine. This hormone can delight one's mind, creating positive feelings. Thus good exercises can often successfully alleviating one's heavy burdens. Moreover, rigorous exercise can also hone one's will, which enable people to be able to tackle stringent problems and arduous tasks.

In a nutshell, many activities can let humans relax. Nevertheless, I assert that the best way of diminishing stress is by exercises, which can benefit everyone not only physically but also mentally.